THREE of the region's NHS trusts rank among the top 40 hospitals in the UK, according to a new report.

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust and Northumbria Health Care NHS Trust appear on a list of top-performing hospitals compiled by independent health care company CHKS.

This year, CHKS gave the Newcastle trust an extra award to recognise the consistent excellence of care provided by the Tyneside group, which includes the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle General Hospital and the Freeman Hospital.

A spokesman for CHKS said: "We looked for the most consistent high-performing hospital over the last three years and that turned out to be the Newcastle trust."

A few days ago, the Newcastle trust was shortlisted for The Sunday Times Good Hospital Guide Hospital of the Year award.

The Newcastle and South Tees trusts have featured in the top 40 list since they were created three years ago.

The Northumbria trust, which includes hospitals in North Shields, Hexham and Ashington, featured in the first year and returned to the list this time around.

Graham Harries, chief executive of CHKS, said: "Each hospital has to achieve a high level of performance across all the indicators.

" This demonstrates to their local residents that their hospitals are well managed and focused on the needs of their patients."

Bill Murray, chief executive of South Tees trust, said the award reflected the skill, dedication and professionalism of its staff.